ASEAN condemns MSU bombing, vows support to counter terrorism
​Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have come together in condemning the recent bombing in Marawi City that led to the death of four people and the wounding of scores of others.
In a statement on Friday, Dec. 8, ASEAN members said it is supporting the Philippine government's effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
They also said they are ready to work with the Philippines as they stand in solidarity "during this difficult time."
"We also reaffirm our commitment to continue, strengthen, and enhance regional counterterrorism cooperation to prevent recurrence​ of terrorist incident in the future," ASEAN said in a statement.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recover​y," they also said.
Four people were killed when a bombing occurred at the gym of Mindanao State University (MSU) during a Sunday mass on Dec. 2. The Islamic State claimed responsibility over the incident, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, a counterterrorism threat intelligence organization that tracks the online activity of extremist groups.
Two suspects were already identified by the country's military, including a former MSU student.
The Philippines is among the 10 members of ASEAN, along with other Southeast Asian nations, except Timor-Leste, which still only has an observer status.
Malaysia and Indonesia, two nearest ASEAN neighbors of the Philippines, have had close collaboration with Manila in terms of addressing terrorism as the three countries shared concerns over threats of extremist activities.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in September expressed support for the peace process in Mindanao and said "must succeed not only for the benefit of Malaysia and the Philippines, but also for the entire region."
Malaysia was willing to provide assistance in capacity building and socio-economic development of the Bangsamoro community to be able to contribute to its success, according to Ibrahim.